Romania gov't says kin of slain Pinoy seafarers 'can count on' its continued support

The Romania government will continue to provide assistance to the families of the Filipino seafarers who were killed in the Black Sea amid the fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Thursday.

In a statement, Raed Arafat, State Secretary and Head of Romania's Department for Emergency Situations, said the Romania government will continue to provide assistance through emergency response, law enforcement, immigration, and other government agencies

He also expressed his condolences to the families of the slain Filipinos.

"We are very sorry for what happened. You can count on Romania's continued support, whether for this incident or any future emergency," Arafat said.

Earlier this month, DMW reported a third fatality among Filipino seafarers in the Black Sea due to the conflict, after two were killed in separate incidents in July.

A total of 236 Filipinos on 17 vessels have been affected. The headcount includes the three fatalities, 15 injured, and a missing seafarer. Meanwhile, 217 others have been deemed safe.

Of the 236 Filipinos who were affected by the attacks, 89 have been repatriated. Nine of the 15 injured individuals have likewise been repatriated to the Philippines.

Echoing Romanian immigration officials, DMW said the death certificate of the deceased Filipinos will be issued once the ongoing investigation is completed and released through official channels.

The Romanian government also committed to coordinating with its border police and other authorities to facilitate transit documentation of overseas Filipino workers who need to board or disembark vessels related to the recent maritime incidents.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac thanked the Romanian government for its assistance.

Meanwhile, Romania anticipates to expanding cooperation with the Philippines in disaster management, emergency preparedness, and humanitarian response.

Cacdac and Arafat conducted a meeting in Bucharest, Romania on Monday.

DMW and other Philippine officials also visited the Filipino crew members of MV Christina B and coordinated arrangement for MV Ventura, which is carrying the remains of the affected Filpino seafarers.

"The DMW, through the Migrant Workers Office in Bucharest, together with OWWA and the Philippine Embassy in Bucharest, will continue working with Romanian authorities, licensed manning agencies, shipowners, and the families of the affected seafarers to provide welfare, psychosocial, documentation, and repatriation assistance," the department said. — BM, GMA News